Group Spiritual Direction

GROUP SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:

An experiential workshop designed

for spiritual directors

This experiential workshop is intended for those who have received training in spiritual direction and wish to explore more deeply the mysterious, grace-filled dynamics of group spiritual direction, both the blessings and the challenges. It is hoped that those who attend this workshop will enhance their awareness and understanding of the power and healing possibilities of the group process, come to appreciate more fully the significance of the director’s skills in helping group participants to become more open, available, and responsive to the Presence within each person and the group, and to realize the potential for personal growth that can occur within the spiritual director who engages in and with the Spirit in groups. The day will involve reflecting on the gift of sacred listening, experiencing the wonder of group process through participation, learning ways to approach group spiritual direction as a leader/facilitator, and gaining renewed confidence through interaction, idea sharing and the prayerful support of others who are also seeking to deepen skills as a spiritual director through offering group spiritual direction.

Leaders:

Hugh Smith III, M.Div., D.Min. is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA. He served as a pastor to congregations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over three decades and currently ministers as a spiritual director in Ewing, New Jersey. In addition to his ministry of individual spiritual direction, he serves as facilitator for group spiritual direction for clergy in the Presbytery of New Brunswick. Hugh also provides group and individual direction at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he has served as visiting lecturer. He received his M.Div and D.Min from Princeton Theological Seminary, graduated from the School of the Spirit in Contemplative Living and Prayer as well as Oasis Ministries’ Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides program, and received certification in the supervision of spiritual direction from Chestnut Hill College.

Ruth Workman, EdM, MA, is a Certified Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader, and Certified Supervisor of Spiritual Directors. She earned a Master of Education at Rutgers University and a Master of Arts in Holistic Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from Chestnut Hill College. She has been offering Spiritual Direction since 1995. In addition to her ministry of individual spiritual direction she offers contemplative retreats at The Sanctuary, her home in Stone Harbor, NJ, and facilitates spiritual direction groups at Princeton Theological Seminary. Ruth serves the Langhorne Presbyterian Church as Pastoral Care Associate. She is ordained as an elder in the Presbyterian Church USA.

DATE/TIME: Saturday, April 19, 2008; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

LOCATION: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

600 SOUTH TWELFTH STREET LEBANON, PA 17042

Retreat Fee: $65-$95 (As you are able)

Registration Deadline: April 10, 2008

TO REGISTER: CONTACT BETSY KELLER AT OASIS MINISTRIES

(717) 737-8222; email: betsykeller@oasismin.org

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